Discipleship

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Short Summary
The speaker reflects on the blessings of fellowship at a convention and emphasizes the importance of discipleship, specifically as followers of Christ. They discuss the transformative journey of the Apostle Paul, highlighting his dedication to self-denial, obedience, and faith despite his imperfections. The discourse encourages believers to focus on their spiritual growth, endure hardships with hope, and strive to emulate Christ’s example, ultimately reinforcing the message that perseverance in faith will lead to divine rewards.

Long Summary
### Detailed Summary of the Discourse on Discipleship

Introduction and Blessings:
– The speaker expresses gratitude for the blessings received at the convention, emphasizing the joy of fellowship with Brother Ernie and Sister Janice.
– He humorously mentions being mistaken for his son and clarifies that he does not use PowerPoint presentations.

Theme of Discipleship:
– Focuses on being disciples of Christ, emphasizing that true discipleship involves accepting Jesus as Redeemer and Savior.
– Discipleship entails a commitment to the divine cause, including self-denial and the willingness to bear one’s cross (Luke 14:27).

Definition of a Disciple:
– A disciple is someone who receives instruction from another, specifically Jesus, who is regarded as the Master.
– The call to discipleship includes accepting a life of sacrifice and following Jesus even in difficult circumstances.

The Apostle Paul as an Example:
– Paul’s transformation from persecutor (Saul of Tarsus) to apostle is highlighted.
– He acknowledges his past in 1 Corinthians 15:9 and 1 Timothy 1:12-13, expressing gratitude for mercy received despite his former actions.

Paul’s Exhortation:
– Paul encourages believers to follow him as he follows Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).
– The speaker outlines seven attributes of Paul’s discipleship that reflect Christ’s example:

1. Light Bearer:
– Paul served as a light in a dark world (John 8:12).

2. Obedience to God’s Will:
– His actions reflected God’s desires, aligning with Matthew 7:21-23.

3. Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing:
– Emphasizes Luke 9:23 about the necessity of self-denial in following Christ.

4. Endurance in Hatred:
– Paul faced hatred for righteousness, affirming Matthew 10:22 regarding perseverance.

5. Fruitage of Discipleship:
– Fruitfulness is linked to abiding in Christ (John 15:5).

6. Rejection of Earthly Wealth:
– Points to Luke 18:22 about the call to sacrifice material possessions.

7. Faith Demonstrated by Works:
– James 2:20 underscores the importance of faith being active through deeds.

Reflection on Forgetting the Past:
– The speaker quotes Brother Russell on Paul’s focus on future goals over past ambitions (Philippians 3:13-14).
– He emphasizes the importance of forgetting past failures and having faith in God’s forgiveness.

Faith and Obedience:
– Stresses the necessity of faith (Hebrews 11:6) and the importance of understanding God’s Word for faith development (Romans 10:17).

Importance of Fellowship:
– The speaker emphasizes the value of gathering for encouragement and sharing testimonies among brethren.

Paul’s Trials and Perseverance:
– References to Paul’s sufferings (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) illustrate his commitment to Christ despite adversity.
– The need for believers to follow Christ faithfully, regardless of the specific trials they may face.

Hope of Resurrection:
– Paul’s desire to know Christ’s resurrection power and share in his sufferings (Philippians 3:10).
– The speaker notes that believers already experience aspects of resurrection blessings (Colossians 3:1-3).

Joy in Discipleship:
– Discusses the joys of being in relationship with God, including prayer (Hebrews 4:16) and singing praises (Ephesians 5:18-20).
– Highlights the ultimate joy of being heirs with Christ if we suffer with Him (Romans 8:17).

Closing Thoughts:
– The speaker encourages a commitment to fulfill the vows of consecration.
– He concludes with Paul’s words from 2 Timothy 4:7-8, expressing a hope for the crown of righteousness promised to all who love Christ’s appearing.

### Key Bible Verses Mentioned:
– Luke 14:27
– 1 Corinthians 15:9
– 1 Timothy 1:12-13
– 1 Corinthians 11:1
– John 8:12
– Matthew 7:21-23
– Luke 9:23
– Matthew 10:22
– John 15:5
– Luke 18:22
– James 2:20
– Philippians 3:13-14
– Hebrews 11:6
– Romans 10:17
– Colossians 3:1-3
– Romans 8:17
– 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Transcript

I think it has been said repeatedly, but we’ll have to say once again, I don’t think anybody who has come to this convention can say that they have not been richly, richly blessed, and so I echo that again, I want to repeat what I did yesterday that we’ve had the delight, the joy of being entertained in the home of Brother Ernie and Sister Janice, and look, have one more night to spend with them. They’re going to take us to the airport tomorrow. So we expect to be having some fellowship with you this evening.

So good to the last drop. Thank you so much. So for some of you, you know, sometimes I don’t know how you make a mistake, but sometimes I’m mistaken for my son who’s not here. I don’t know how you could possibly do that, so I’m going to give you a clue as to how you can tell the difference. I’m the one who does not do PowerPoint.

Okay? Okay. Okay. So, as has been announced, our subject is discipleship, and of course, disciples, and we’re talking about disciples of Christ because you could follow anybody but disciples of Christ.

Those who have accepted Jesus as their Redeemer and Savior, but beyond that, they have dedicated their lives to the divine cause, repented and accepted the invitation to take up their cross and follow in the footsteps of our Master, even unto death. You know, the word disciple means one that receives instruction from another, and as disciples of Christ, all of us who name his name to be his followers receive their instructions from Jesus, whom we accept as our master. You know, Jesus said this in Luke 14:27, Luke 14:27, and whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

So he really meant, I believe, that self denial and cross bearing for us would be the same in principle as experienced by Himself, even though we are imperfect. We would like to consider a few of Paul’s experiences as someone bent on destroying the early Christians when he was known as Saul of Tarsus, and in First Greetings, chapter 15, verse 9, First Corinthians, chapter 15, verse 9, he said this. For I am the least of the apostles that have not meet to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. Also in 1st Timothy 1:12 and 13, 1st Timothy 1:12 and thirteen, we read another portion of his testimony.

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor injurious. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

I’d like to reflect upon his remarkable exhortation from First Corinthians 11:1 First Corinthians 11:1, where he says, be ye followers of me, even as I also am a Christ, and when we think about that particular passage, at least I do. The question is, what were some of the things that our Lord did that Paul strove to do and admonished us to do likewise? So we’re going to give you about seven brief illustrations.

Number one. He Paul was a light bearer to a sin filled society that was under the darkness emitted by the God of this world. John 8:12 John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

Something else. His actions demonstrated what would be pleasing to God instead of making independent decisions which were contrary to the divine plan and purposes. We read this in Matthew 7:21-23 Matthew 7:21 23 not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father, which is in in heaven. Number three. You know, Christ our head, our advocate, demonstrated in all that he did a life of self denial and cross bearing.

And so we read from Luke 9:23 Luke 9:23 and he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Paul did this also.

Number four. You know our Lord endured hatred because of his stand for righteousness unto the very end. Matthew 10:22 Matthew 10:22 reminds Paul and ourselves, and ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But he that endureth unto the end shall be saved. Another one.

Number five Paul and all saints must bring forth fruitage which can only be developed by heeding the master’s example. John 15:5 John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit, for without me ye can do nothing. Number six Seeking earthly positions, possessions and wealth are really inconsistent with the spirit of sacrifice. Luke 18:22 Luke 18:22 now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, yet lackest thou one thing sell all that thou hast and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven and come follow me.

Number seven yes, faith is essential if we are to please God, but this must be demonstrated by deeds of obedience James 2:20 James 2:20 but wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? So in Paul we see a transformed life that commends itself to us for emulation, and in this connection we’d like to make a brief quote from Volume 6, Studies in the Scriptures, page 139, where Brother Russell made some observations about the apostle, and this is what the pastor wrote. Volume 6139 this one thing I do forgetting the things that are behind forgetting my former ambitions as a student, my former hopes as a Roman citizen and a man of more than average education forgetting the allurements, the very sciences and the laurels which they hold forth to those who run in their ways, and reaching forward to the things which are before.

Keep me eye of my faith and hope and love and devotion, fixed upon the grand offer of joint heirship with my Lord in the divine nature and the great work of the kingdom of the blessing of the world, I press down upon the mark for the prize of the high calling. Philippians 3:13 and 14 I believe that most of us can appreciate the necessity for forgetting the things related to our days prior to consecration, but I’d like to suggest perhaps a further application of this Philippians text. During our consecrated walk, we believe that being in the truth does not represent solely the doctrinal understanding that separates us from those who are in the systems and don’t have a clear comprehension of God’s plan of salvation for all, the willing and the obedient, as well as the fact there are two distinct opportunities to attain everlasting life, a heavenly one during this gospel age and an earthly one during that blessed millennial reign. One of the great battles that we as believers have is that we must continually fight to overcome any tendencies towards discouragements. Because as we look at ourselves according to the flesh, we see how unworthy we are to have been recipients of such great favor as embodied in the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We need to forget, as it were, things that are behind us when we as consecrated believers recognize that perhaps yesterday, perhaps even today, we were overtaken in a fault that we did not expect to occur, and, you know, we might even be ashamed of ourselves because we thought, oh, that could never, never happen to us and or we should have known better, and so the question we might pose is, did we repent and go to the Lord and ask for forgiveness and request added assistance in our walk from henceforth? Do we believe that the Lord was faithful in accepting our sincere heart’s desire, even though there might have been a consequence, and perhaps some needed chastisement, so that we be more careful in the future. If we have sincerely followed such a course, might we not forget this as something that is behind?

Not from the standpoint of pretending it never occurred. But should we not believe that God has accepted our contrition, and with renewed determination be convicted, that our prayers were heard, and continue to press on and reach toward the things which are before? It is absolutely true that of our own selves we can do nothing that would merit the Heavenly Father’s approval. But equally true are the words in Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. I don’t believe God begets anyone who does not have the possibility of making his or her calling and election sure.

Whether or not we prove to be part of the body of Christ, therefore, is determined by our being faithful unto death unto what we have received, and so when I consider Paul’s words, there are so many of them, but from Romans chapter seven and think about this as a written testimony to the entire Church. It gives me hope even with my shortcomings. Romans 7:19, verse 19 for the good that I would I do not, but the evil I would not that I do. Verse 20 now if I do that I I would not it is no more that I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

23 But I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death? And 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. The apostle, as far as I can perceive, was an example of submission that is most remarkable for someone who was imperfect.

As far as I’m concerned, I won’t take the time to quote 2nd Corinthians 11:23 28 2nd Corinthians chapter 11:23 28 but you recall some of the many, many beatings, shipwrecks, and various persecutions he endured. Now we want to look at another passage where Paul was testifying to the Sanhedrin, and we pick up the narrative found in Acts 23, verses 2 through 5. Acts 23, verses 2 through 5, verse 2 and the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood beside him to smite him on the mouth, verse three. Then Paul said unto him, God shall smite thee, thou white Wolf for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandedst me to be smitten contrary to the law.

Verse 4 and they that stood by said, revilest thou God’s high priest? Verse 5. Then Paul said, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written, thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. So the question I would pose do you think you would have responded after being slapped as did Paul?

Do you think Jesus would have responded in that manner? You know, we suggest that Paul might have responded almost instinctively, as he did after being struck, but caught himself afterwards when he said he did not realize he was insulting the high priest. 1st Corinthians 9:27 1 Corinthians 9:27 speaks as follows, But I keep my body under and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means when I have preached to others, I myself should be a cast away. You know, this admonition is certainly one that each one of us, each of the Lord’s people, is required to internalize. We have cited the number of Scriptures in our comments thus far and will mention a few more before our time is up, only to reiterate what we consider to be most essential towards doing the will of our Heavenly Father.

Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 11:6. But without faith it is impossible to please him. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he’s a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. This passage tells us that no matter what, we cannot be pleasing to God without faith. In another text found in Romans 10:17, Romans 10:17, we read, so then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

And so it is necessary for us to study the Scriptures as a first step towards our faith development, in that we will know what God’s Word teaches, and then we must demonstrate our belief in the heavenly Father by obeying what the Scriptures indicate we should do. We must do. In other words, both a hearing or understanding as well as a doing are necessary on our parts if we are to please our Creator. Conversely, even if we hear His Word and understand it, but do not do it, we cannot be fully acceptable because to that extent we would still be following our own will.

You know, there’s an expression about doing your own thing. Yeah, the Lord’s people can do their own thing as well. You know, one of the reasons, and this has been stated over and over, that it is so important, so, so important for us to continue to come together as brethren in this precious, precious fellowship is the encouragement that we can receive from our association with one another, and I especially like testimonies. Let me just digress for a second, because yesterday Brother John was going to quiet me.

And one of the things I told Brother John and I saw it on the program, you know, he led two testimony meetings. I don’t know if you caught that, but he led two testimony meetings, and so I said to him, long, long time ago, I said, you know, suppose, for example, you are an elder and you’re invited to serve a convention, supposed to live in the east coast or the west coast, either way, and you’re invited to come 3,000 miles across the continent, and the brethren said, you know what? We don’t want you to speak.

We just want you to leave testimonies. How would you feel about that? And Brother John said, that’s fine by me. That’s what I would absolutely do it. So he demonstrated in accepting this assignment that he was serious about that important.

And, yeah, it is your most important meeting, and I think it’s the most important meeting because you give others a chance to speak. You know, I have this thing about when you speak, what happens, and sometimes you go on too long, and brethren are thinking, when is he going to stop? Oh, as somebody said this morning, it is what it is.

But anyway, so the point I want to make is that testimonies will give us an opportunity to understand some of the situations that our brethren are going through that they confront on a daily basis. You know, even in the world, everyone has issues to deal with, but for ourselves, we have a special hope and special resources which will enable us to bear them more effectively than those who are not similarly bused, and so I’ve been spending time with Paul, but he was a remarkable, remarkable example of an imperfect human specimen who was driven to serve God with all his might once he found the proper course. You know, we are reminded that Paul’s ministry included many epistles that were written even while he was in prison. In prison, and have come down to us this day.

Here is his words from Philippians 3:10. Philippians 3:10, and we are reading from the NIV, and this is what it says. I want to know Christ, yes, To know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like Christ him in his death. You know, when Paul speaks about knowing the power of Christ’s resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings, what does he mean by that?

We would like to suggest experiencing the power of his resurrection, in one sense is a future event yes, we cannot actually comprehend the reality of having a divine body while we are yet under fleshly constraints. We have aches and pains and whatever. The divine body is not going to be like that, trust me. So we don’t know what experiences, however, we will have beyond the veil, because we’re still tabernacling in the flesh, yet in an anticipatory sense, if you will, by virtue of Spirit begetto, we actually do experience blessings beyond the understanding or appreciation of those who are still humanly minded. Colossians 3:1 3 Colossians 3:1 3 puts it this way.

If if ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth. For ye are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God. You know, one of the passages of Scripture we might use to in our present standing is our genuine ability to rejoice and actually do the things that are outlined in the rest of Colossians chapter 3 through about verse 17. I won’t take the time to read them.

You have your Scriptures and you’re familiar with them. But if indeed we have begun this resurrection process, if you will, as a result of our newness of life, we can actually rejoice in the Lord always, despite the painful nature of some of our failures and other experiences which relate to our flesh. Here are a few ways we can experience the power of Christ resurrection now and joyfully participate in the fellowship of his sufferings. Is it not a joy to be included among those of whom the Father says? Psalm 50, verse 5 Psalm 50, verse 5 Gather my saints together unto me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.

If we are indeed walking in the Spirit, absolutely, absolutely we will bring forth fruitage, and in Galatians 5:22, Galatians 5:22, we are told that one aspect of such fruitage here and now is joy. The joys we presently experience are many, based upon our relationship with our Heavenly Father and His Son, our beloved master, Jesus Christ. First John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Verse 2 Beloved, now now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be. But we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. That’s staggering. I. I can’t fathom that.

I don’t Know if you can. I absolutely can’t. But it’s a promise, so you know, and they are untold. Precious promises.

They’re not even all contained in the booklet Precious Promises. So we have the joy of prayer, communication with the Heavenly Father and are able to thank him and receive blessings according to our needs. Hebrews 4:16. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Yes, we have the joy of fellowship with our brethren and the conviction that we are all part of that one body.

The Apostle Paul expressed it this way in Philippians 4:1, Philippians 4:1. Therefore, my brethren, dearly beloved, and long for my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. We have the joy of singing praises to our Heavenly Father, as Paul and Silas did in prison, and as part of our appreciative worship, as suggested by Ephesians, chapter 5, verses 18 through 20. Ephesians chapter 5, verses 18 through 20, and this is what those verses say.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess, but be ye filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we’ll cite one more of our joys, and that is having the promise that the sufferings and how much do we suffer? How much does a human family suffer? How much do our relatives suffer? What’s the pain?

We know, we’ve heard about the bereavement. There’s got to be suffering that happened. We got two reports in one day.

And yet the sufferings that we experience now for Christ’s sake will, if we persevere, will yield unspeakable blessings. If we persevere faithfully as we read in Romans 8:17. Romans 8:17, and if children then ears heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may also be glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

You know, if we think about that, if we think about that, if we really believe that’s true, there is no price that we should not be willing to pay. Because the world suffers just like we do. They suffer. Exactly. We don’t suffer more physically or emotionally or loss wise, we don’t.

However, they don’t have the hope they don’t have the reward. They don’t have the thought, the privilege of healing the nations in that wonderful, wonderful, blessed millennial reign. So as I bring my comments to a close, I just want to talk again about this. Our dear brother Paul, he endured countless difficulties recorded in Scripture for us as evidence that he desired, the followers desired that we bound throughout the entire gospel age to know that we are not alone in experiencing hardship. Paul was concerned about the brethren, those who would live after him.

He really wanted us to make our calling election. Sure, he really did. So in following Paul as he followed Christ, does that necessarily mean that we will experience everything that came upon Paul if we’re going to prove faithful unto death? I mean, are you going to be literally beheaded?

There are many different prophetic views among the brethren as to what will be the final experiences of the Church, and I don’t know exactly what they will be, and all of us know brethren who have completed their course, whose epitaph would not necessarily include all of those details that are enumerated in that second Corinthians, chapter 11, verses 23 to 28 passage that I mentioned before. Not all the Lord’s people are going to be beaten literally three times with a cat of nine tails, not all of us are going to be catching shipwrecked in the deep, etc. Etc.

Etc. So nevertheless, could they not have been said to follow Christ as did Paul? I think so, and we would suggest that all, all, everyone whose sincere effort was, or is this one thing I do will in the end become more than overcomers, win the crown of life, and help usher in that kingdom of righteousness which is so desperately, desperately needed by humanity. So in the time which remains for us in the flesh, whether days, weeks or years, let us press on with diligence to pay the full cost of fulfilling our vows of consecration, no matter when they were made.

Should such be the case, then the assurance given by Paul in Second Timothy Chapter 2 verses, Chapter Second Timothy Chapter 4, verses 7 and 8, Second Timothy Chapter 4, verses 7 to 8 will indeed be our portion as well. It’s a familiar text, and I close with these words. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith.

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only, but until all them also, that love is appearing. Amen.

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